Social Work/Pastoral Studies

Saint Louis University’s School of Social Work works with the Aquinas Institute of
Theology to offer a dual program that allows students to earn both a Master of Social
Work and a Master of Arts in pastoral studies.

About the Program

Through this program, you’ll concurrently earn a M.S.W. with a clinical concentration
and a Master of Arts in pastoral studies in less time than it would take to pursue
the two degrees separately.

This program in social work and pastoral studies puts graduates in a unique position
to recognize the spiritual, economic, legal and psychological roots of contemporary
social problems while deepening professional commitment to social justice based upon
the Gospels.

You’ll be inspired to serve individuals, families and communities through social action
to enhance the common good and the life of the church.

This dual-degree program requires a total of 80 credit hours and can be completed
in three years. You’ll complete the usual curriculum for each degree, including the
clinical concentration for the M.S.W. Twelve elective credit hours from the pastoral
studies program will count toward the M.S.W., and six elective credit hours from social
work will count toward the M.A. in pastoral studies.

Up to six credit hours of field experience or internship for the M.A. degree may be
used to fulfill the required social work practicum. It must meet all the requirements
of a social work practicum, so talk to your adviser to see if this is an option for
you.

The dual M.S.W./M.A. in pastoral studies equips graduates for a social work practice
rooted in theology, ministry and biblical studies. You could also be a church minister
with clinical professional licensure to better serve your congregation and community.

Application Process

You must be admitted to both Saint Louis University’s School of Social Work and the
Aquinas Institute of Theology to be considered a dual degree student pursuing both
the M.S.W. and the M.A. in pastoral studies.

Both programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least 24 credits in the liberal arts, social sciences
or theology.

Two separate graduate school applications will be required. You may apply to both
concurrently.